safety chain

[Frankelson]

I'm still working my way through this site - I've got a lot of ideas from the build threads in particular. Thanks !
Just one question if I may.
I notice most of you have a safety chain, I guess as a breakaway. I was wondering if this is a US legal requirement ?
In the UK we use a steel cable usually but it's not a legal requirement. They are for sale in caravan/trailer shops, plastic coated with snap links.

[MtnDon]

Most states require chain but many also permit cables. So here you could have 50 different answers.

[Dale M.]

Yes it is a US requirement in most states.... In California specifically it requires two chains.... One on each side of tongue to be crossed under hitch, so if ball/hitch fails, it cradles the tongue and keeps it from hitting pavement.....

EDIT to Add: In California a trailer weighting more than 1500 lbs must have brakes and breakaway system even if equipped with safety chains...

Dale

[angib]

In the UK we use a steel cable usually but it's not a legal requirement.

I believe the correct position in the UK is that:
- an unbraked trailer must have a 'secondary coupling' (chain or cable) able to support and restrain the trailer if the coupling fails;
- a braked trailer must be fitted with a breakaway cable that will pull on the trailer's brakes (and it will then snap, not being strong enough to restrain the trailer).

[Sheddie]

Hi Frank,
This is what our requirements are for safety chains in New Zealand. * Trailers under 2000kg are not required to have brakes. (but see below*).

Gross laden weight of trailer of 2,000 kg or less; Required: Unless fitted with a breakaway brake. The safety chain must be of sufficient strength to hold the trailer secure under all conditions of road use.

Gross laden weight of trailer of more than 2,000 kg but less than 2,500kg; The coupling must have a manufacturer's rating appropriate for the gross laden weight of the trailer and there must be twin safety chains that cross each other when connected.

Gross laden weight of trailer 2,500 kg and up to 3,500 kg; Safety chain not required. Must have breakaway brake system.

The safety chains must meet the applicable warrant of fitness requirements.

*Performance requirements for brakes on light trailers

Brakes fitted to a trailer, whether or not they are legally required, must be in good working order.The service brake, if fitted, must act on both wheels on at least one axle. The service brakes on the towing and towed vehicles must together be capable of stopping both vehicles within seven metres from a speed of 30 km/h.The parking brake, if fitted, must be capable of holding the trailer at rest on a slope of one in five.http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-loading-towing/guide-safe-loading-towing.html#performance
Frank

[Kharn]

In the UK we use a steel cable usually but it's not a legal requirement.

I believe the correct position in the UK is that:
- an unbraked trailer must have a 'secondary coupling' (chain or cable) able to support and restrain the trailer if the coupling fails;
- a braked trailer must be fitted with a breakaway cable that will pull on the trailer's brakes (and it will then snap, not being strong enough to restrain the trailer).

Most braked trailers have electric brakes in the US. The break-away cable is usually attached to a pin holding open an electrical switch, so when the trailer separates from the truck the cable pulls the pin, the switch closes, and the trailer brakes activate until the pin is reinserted or the battery dies. It's a really small braided steel cable, but it's designed to not break during the event.

[martymcfly]

A few years ago, I used to drive forklift at a tin can factory. I know that I have seen more than one set of doubles with cable instead of chain. They have to go through several weigh stations. If chain was required, I am sure they would have been busted. I however, have never seen cable used on travel trailers.

[Dale M.]

A few years ago, I used to drive forklift at a tin can factory. I know that I have seen more than one set of doubles with cable instead of chain. They have to go through several weigh stations. If chain was required, I am sure they would have been busted. I however, have never seen cable used on travel trailers.

You have point here, but it seem to be only on "dolly" for second trailer and not on 5th wheel of "tractor" or 5th wheel on "dolly"... Seems to be in conjunction with "Pintel hook/loop" trailer (dolly) coupling and not for 5th wheel...

Dale